So, qui est Le Colonel? Surely he’s not some mustached, dastardly strict military commander dressed in a starchy mustard-colored uniform. Rather, he presents his softer side in the most unconventional (for someone of his rank, that is) way: Le Colonel has a penchant for military-inspired embroidery, for delicate lace, and touches of elegant plaids. All of which are combined in a mélange of accessories Blair Waldorf would covet and collect: hair accessories. Even the picky (Miss Waldorf comes to mind almost immediately) will not hesitate in calling one of the many headbands and decorative pieces their own.
But who, you may ask, is the colonel? ‘Tis none other than the French designer Julia, whom was so sweet when she emailed me; the passion in which she had for her new line (not to mention, how adorable she was in her questions!) had drawn me into the brand. It was from her fabulous French self, and a touch of ingenuity, that came a line of assorted headbands and hair pieces, all of which suit different personalities, styles, and occasions, all in such unique designs.
Somehow I think of the legendary, r o a r i n g ‘ 2 0 s when I browse through her site and products; perhaps it is the color scheme of the site and the aged effect of the photography, or the delectable set of headbands flappers would be seen wearing at late-night soirées – or simply a combination of both aspects. Either way, her collection of accessories and the aesthetics of her new website has be daydreaming of one of my favorite periods in American history; smokey images of flappers in fringed, sequined dresses donning the Tsarine over their bobs. Long cigarettes between their fingers in a blasé manner whilst dancing (or chatting away with mysterious, handsome men like Gatsby) in dark bars. Muffled jazz music is in the background, and a bit too much wine is served.
The Tsar and the Tsarine are two of my absolute favorites of the entire collection; imagine it for day or night, how regal and mysterious it would look? A bit coquettish, I think, when the Tsar is worn in the evening with some LBD for a night out – the random beading, cascading and crowning the forehead in such a unique manner, along with a blue jewel at the band that creates a gorgeous effect of nighttime. A bit like wearing a tiara – only much more. The Tsarine is the prettier version; a bit more innocent and angelical in a sense, but still seductive in that mysterious way. Le sigh; I want both!
The Cabaret. Do picture a new scene: the same smokey jazz lounge past midnight; the trumpet blows, the lights dim, and the velvet curtains open to reveal the dancers of the night. Cabaret dancers, clad in slinky black leotards, fishnet, heels, and a mink shrug around their shoulders, the Cabaret headband gracing their hair. The Cabaret truly is, well, cabaret in essence – the blackness, the feathers, the bead strands that crown the forehead. Exotic and seductive would be the proper adjectives. And then, the paradox of the seductive Cabaret is the Coco headband. So pretty for summer; a touch romantic, a touch Victorian. A headband Blair Waldorf would be quite proud to own.
And last but not least, the Cherry Liberty. The wide length of the headband is what sets it apart from other of its species, giving it a bit of a country girl-gone-sophisticated look. The juxtaposition of the materials and prints is done to perfection; the innocence of flower prints and pink flowers contrasted by seductive black lace and black flowers. Truly a gorgeous hairpiece to slide on for a finishing touch.
An aside: the lookbook images are absolutely delicious! Reminiscent of a touch of the twenties flapper era with M o u l i n R o u g e in bohemian Paris. So, so gorgeous [gushes over the details!] !!
. . .
Bisous,
La C.
P.S.: Thank you, Miss Sushi for “The Lovely Blog” award! And much thanks to the super chic Brigadeiro Chic for being so generous with giving me the “Adorable”, “Unique & Chic”, “Proximity”, and “Lovely Blog” Awards! Merci beaucoup!
Cafe Fashionista says
I have been following Le Colonel for months, and have spoken to Julia in the past. Her designs, and her personality, show such a divine passion for all things fashionable and fabulous. I would love to own her entire collection! 🙂
La Couturier says
Cafe Fashionista: I know, isn’t she the absolute sweetest? Her emails are always so 🙂
Bisous!
michtseng says
OH, i love cabaret and liberty flower. Tsarine’s also another one I would pick up, along with other ones on her site. Okay, I guess I would take everything, sigh.
They’re beautiful!
Dana says
Oh, you should definitely post some pics!!! If you do let me know 🙂
Xoxo,
Dana
mayk says
that ferretti image is AMAZING
♥
thebaglady says
Oh myyy their headbands are GORGEOUS!!
I neeeeed! But it’s too expensive =(
Lenya Jones says
I love headpieces and hats. They can really make an outfit, thanks for a wonderul post
Brigadeiro says
Congrats on your awards, you totally deserve them! 😉 That Alberta Ferretti pic is just gorgeous, and Le Colonel looks so glam and other-worldly!
xx
The Minx says
wow, I’m totally loving the cabaret, it’s sexy in the most perfect of ways 🙂
Lucy (The Fashion Setter) says
I love this collection… I’m obsessed with headpieces.
Lucy =)
http://thefashionsetter.blogspot.com
Tina {Luphia loves...} says
the head pieces are so gorgeous!! 🙂
Miss G* says
That Alberta Ferreti campagn is gorgeous!
Bises.
rossovelvet says
Stunning, thanks for the discoveries !
But I do love colonel mustard & clue… you will be surprised of how fashionable the game is… I wrote an article (http://rosso-velvet.skyrock.com/2128414427-J-accuse-Mlle-Rose-dans-la-salle-de-bal-avec-le-poignard.html) about it if you want to laugh a bit xD
Thank you thank you thank you for your perfect articles and your sweet comments.
Love !
Macaron Treat ♥♥ says
Simply Stunning
xxx
Neira says
i love the roaring 20s fashion!
such adorable pictures!
frouu says
beautiful head pieces, great find! lovely blog you have here 🙂
– frouu/ nadia
mary jo says
Love the bits of chain on these head pieces. How gorgeous!
hauteworld says
Gorgeous images and the head pieces are stunning! I think if I got one, I would need to get a matching flapper dress! I can’t even decide which one I love most, though I can see why you love the tsar and tsarine so much. Thanks for posting… I’ll have to check this out 🙂
Meream says
Those are gorgeous! The photos are amazing, too. She must be one talented lady.
miriam says
wow, i wouldn’t mind wearing these. beautiful!
Poster Girl says
Wow, how beautiful! I just discovered your blog and wish I had done so a long time ago! You’ve got a knack for writing, and I was wondering if you’d like to exchange links?
janettaylor says
Cogratulations to new awards.
Beautiful post!
XoXo
Candy-forest says
Cool pics!=)
Tanya says
these are all so gorgeous!! I want one RIGHT NOW 🙂
sharon rose says
Hi there-such a lovely post, these pictures are just so lovely! Have a great weekend!
daisychain says
how utterly gorgeous
have a great weekend!
carlota says
This designer is great! Bisous!
diane says
These are delicate and exquisite pieces. I’m sure I would get it all wrong. I can just picture people telling me that I needed to straighten my “hairband” all night long.
miranda says
these are amazing!!
definitely looking into it
these MAKE me want to wear headbands
kristine says
you write so prettily i love the stories you conjured up abou the smokey bars and the twenties!!
and those pictures are so pretty. i htink blair would love these headbands.
abdcforever says
i just bought this gorg headband from this lil boutique nd i luv it (:
these are so much more gorgeous tho, liek the tsar & tsarine one!!
Kim says
oh.my.god. I just die and die and die again!!!
how utterly fabulous. I must have at least one creation in my wardrobe. I just MUST!!!!
SO SO SO amahzingly fabulous.
Thanks for sharing xx
The Seeker says
Oh Thanks for sharing, I’ve discovered new things.
Congrats on the awards!!!
xoxoxo
Little Bow Prep says
Gorgeous pictures!
dapper kid says
Oh my, these are SO lush, I may actually be drooling a tinsy. The Tsarine is beautiful and the Cherry Liberty is sooo pretty 🙂
miticA says
wooow, coool collection, tre chic!! elegant fringes!!
thebaglady says
I think I might just have to invest in the tsar…
These are perfect!